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SSTI, the State Science and Technology Institute, calls Larta University one of the "...best programs in the country," having "...helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, implemented innovative programs, and assisted client companies to raise hundreds of millions of dollars."

March 10: Entrepreneurship Series #6: Finance and Valuation
It is not crucial for the CEO to know the nitty gritty of accounting principles, but it is crucial for him or her to track the company’s cash flow and burn rate. This workshop will discuss the financial tools that allow entrepreneurs to run their businesses responsibly and raise the right amount of funding at the right time. Topics include: developing realistic financial assessments, budgeting and forecasting, preparing financials for the business plan, how to be fiscally prepared for foreseeable budget cycles, valuation, and reporting to financial stakeholders.
Location: West Los Angeles

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Companies should be aware of all the sales and distribution channels available, determine which ones would be most appropriate, and how to manage them to expedite growth. Companies have managed to prosper immensely from building the right alliances, where businesses share valuable assets ranging from a customer base to marketing activities, from suppliers and procurement to product development. Topics covered in this course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.
Location: West Los Angeles

Larta University's Course Schedule

Top Stories in Hot Technology Sectors

Communications
Qwest Plans to Revise Bid For MCI (Washington Post)
Qwest Communications International Inc. said it plans to make a revised bid for MCI Inc. in an attempt to scuttle Verizon Communications Inc.'s deal to buy the Ashburn-based communications company.
more Communications news

Consumer Electronics
Toy Concepts Grow Up Fast (Los Angeles Times)
Electronic makeovers rule the day at the 2005 Toy Fair in New York. 'Kids are getting older younger,' one exec laments.
more Consumer Electronics News

Hardware
The Shadow on HP's Good News (BusinessWeek)
Quarterly profits are up, but only by a whisker -- and even that gain is due solely to lower lower taxes and cuts in R&D.
more Hardware news

Internet
Secret Service: Fraud Threatens Economy (Washington Post)
Internet fraudsters, motivated by money and armed with sophisticated technology, pose an increased economic threat as they steal private data from companies and individuals, the director of the US Secret Service said.
more Internet news

Security
Security Software Shootout (BusinessWeek)
Not only is Symantec ready for Microsoft's looming invasion of its turf, its feisty CEO John Thompson is positively spoiling for a fight.
more Security news

Semiconductors
Better Lasers From Chips, and Likewise (New York Times)
Intel researchers have made an important advance in blending silicon chip technology with optical lasers.
more Semiconductor news

Software
Protesters go bananas over EU patent plan (CNet News)
The debate gets lively when it comes to the value of software patents. In Brussels, opponents worry that a directive could turn Europe into a banana republic.
more Software news

This calendar lists events endorsed by Larta Institute.

February 23: Untapped Opportunities in the Chinese Telecommunication Market
Asia Pacific-USA Chamber of Commerce (APUCC), in conjunction with its co-organizer BG Strategy, is proud to announce the event of the year in Silicon Valley, titled the Untapped Opportunities in the Chinese Telecommunication Market. This event will inform Silicon Valley's telecom industry what it takes to capitalize in the Chinese Telecom Market.

March 7-8: iHollywood Forum: Digital Living Room
The Digital Living Room® addresses the technologies and services that are transforming the living room into a digital hub. Thought leaders from technology, consumer electronics, finance, Hollywood and market esearch analysts engage in lively dialogue to focus on creating the technological, business and investment roadmap for the digital home.

March 10: Entrepreneurship Series #6: Finance and Valuation
This Larta University class will discuss the financial tools that allow entrepreneurs to run their businesses responsibly and raise the right amount of funding at the right time.

March 13: JETRO “Bizmatch” Opportunity at CTIA Wireless 2005
If you will be attending “CTIA Wireless 2005”, March 13-16 in New Orleans, please consider participating in JETRO’s Bizmatch event, which will include major companies such as NTT DoCoMo. Don't miss this unique opportunity!

March 14: Entrepreneur In Residence Roundtable
National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) is sponsoring a unique Entrepreneur in Residence program. NICTA will fund experienced US-based entrepreneurs to crystallize spinout opportunities based on NICTA research and technical teams.

March 15: Pitching to Investors in Silicon Valley
Every CEO wants a chance to pitch their company to investors - and on Tuesday, March 15 you will get your chance! FundingPost presents a unique session to show entrepreneurs exactly what to say when pitching to Venture & Angel investors. Investors will show you how to give a great pitch. Then you get to pitch to the panel of Investors!

April 14: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Topics covered in this Larta University course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.

April 28-30: Wireless Telecommunications Symposium
Exchange information on advances in mobile communications and wireless networking technology, management, applications, and security in a very pleasant Southern California conference environment with leaders and experts from industry, governmental agencies, and universities around the world at the Fourth Annual Wireless Telecommunications Symposium.

May 11-12: Early Stage East: Venture Capital Conference
Early Stage East has a fresh vision to bring emerging technologies to the forefront for its audience of venture capitalists, private investors, expert service providers and entrepreneurs on the East Coast. Early Stage East is the trendsetter in showcasing the most promising young companies in the tech industry.

May 25-26: The Venture Forum 2005
America's largest showcase of top-tier emerging companies. This year's expanded two-day format features over 130 companies, including 75 National Institutes of Health SBIR Phase II grant winners.

June 1-3: IBF 16th Annual Venture Capital Investing Conference
The premier industry gathering for venture investors. Planned with the help of peer input to help you compare best practices and track industry trends, this industry meeting unites the most active venture investors.

Larta Institute's Events Calendar

Larta Institute
connecting people to drive innovation

We bring people together to move technologies into the marketplace. Our client solutions include: conferences, training workshops, technology transfer, advisory services, and research and analysis.

Since 1993, companies helped by Larta Institute have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. Larta Institute's conferences and seminars provide insights to thousands of businesspeople each year. Larta Institute's weekly electronic magazine on business innovation is read by over 20,000 people.

www.Larta.org

Los Angeles Office:
Larta Institute
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Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel: (213) 744-1314
Fax: (213) 744-1791

Washington DC Office:
Larta Institute
c/o Kelly, Anderson & Associates
424 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 740-8330